Annapolis, Maryland City
City in Maryland, United States
A waterfront city on Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis hosts the U.S. Naval Academy, colonial brick streets, and sailing schools. Visitors tour historic government buildings, eat blue crab at dockside restaurants, and take day sails into the Bay.
Annapolis, Maryland at a Glance#
Costs: $120-$220 USD per day - midrange to upscale - dining and boating activities drive prices.
Safety: Generally safe; tourist-friendly - low violent crime in downtown; take normal waterfront precautions at night.
Best Time: May-October - sailing season and pleasant weather; peak tourism in summer months.
Why Visit Annapolis, Maryland?#
A maritime colonial city shaped by the Chesapeake: Annapolis is best known for the U.S. Naval Academy, the City Dock and a thriving sailing culture. Streets lined with 18th-century brick homes and seafood restaurants serving crab cakes and steamed blue crabs give the place a distinct maritime flavor. Regattas, waterfront bars and maritime museums attract sailors and food lovers, while compact historic neighborhoods invite relaxed exploration.
Best Things to Do in Annapolis, Maryland#
Annapolis, Maryland Bucket List#
U.S. Naval Academy - Active academy campus with guided tours, museum exhibits, and the Naval Academy Chapel.
Maryland State House - Old State House with historic legislative chambers and Maryland artifacts on display.
William Paca House & Garden - Restored colonial governor’s estate featuring period rooms and formal eighteenth-century gardens.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park - Small museum focusing on local maritime history, model boats, and waterfront exhibits.
Banneker-Douglass Museum - Museum highlighting African American history and culture in Maryland through rotating exhibits.
Quiet Waters Park - Lakeside park with trails, kayaking rentals, picnic areas, and seasonal art festivals.
St. Michaels, Maryland - Historic Chesapeake Bay town with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and waterfront dining.
Baltimore Inner Harbor - Major harbor district with museums, restaurants, and aquarium about forty minutes away.
Best Time to Visit Annapolis, Maryland#
Late spring through early fall is the best time to enjoy Annapolis’s sailing, waterfront dining, and festivals when weather is warm. Winters are quieter and cooler, good for indoor sightseeing.
December - February
-3°C - 8°C (27°F - 46°F)
Chilly, sometimes icy days with quieter harbors and fewer tourists; indoor attractions are cozy, but sailing and waterfront activities are limited.
March - May
8°C - 22°C (46°F - 72°F)
Pleasant, blossoming waterfronts and comfortable temperatures make this ideal for walking historic districts, early-season boating, outdoor brunches, and local festivals.
June - August
20°C - 31°C (68°F - 88°F)
Hot, humid summers are peak season for sailing and festivals; expect crowded marinas, lively nightlife, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms to cool things down.
Annapolis, Maryland's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1108 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Annapolis, Maryland#
Annapolis is most easily reached by flying into BWI or DCA and taking a taxi, rideshare or shuttle for the short drive. The city itself does not have Amtrak service, but local and commuter buses connect Annapolis with Baltimore and Washington.
Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): BWI is the closest major airport to Annapolis (about 25-40 minutes by car depending on traffic). BWI has a rail station (BWI Rail Station) served by Amtrak and MARC commuter trains; from there you can transfer to a shuttle, taxi or rideshare to reach Annapolis.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Reagan National is another option, roughly 35-50 minutes’ drive to Annapolis depending on traffic and time of day. Car, taxi or rideshare are the most direct ways to continue to Annapolis from DCA.
Train: Annapolis does not have Amtrak service. The nearest Amtrak stations are in Baltimore (Penn Station) and BWI; from those stations you can continue by bus, shuttle or taxi to Annapolis.
Bus: Anne Arundel County operates local bus services and commuter buses link Annapolis with Baltimore and Washington, DC. Several private shuttle services also run between BWI and Annapolis - check schedules and book in advance if you need a timed airport transfer.
How to Get Around Annapolis, Maryland#
Annapolis is best accessed by car, taxi or shuttle from nearby airports (BWI or DCA). Within the city, walking and local buses serve most visitor needs, while car rentals help explore the wider Chesapeake region.
- Taxi / Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) - Taxis and rideshare services provide the most convenient and direct transfers between Annapolis and the nearby airports (BWI, DCA). Prices and availability vary by time of day, and rideshare apps make booking straightforward.
- Airport Shuttle / Private Shuttle - Several private shuttle companies operate scheduled or on-demand transfers between BWI and Annapolis. These are convenient if you prefer a fixed-price option - book ahead for guaranteed pickup times.
- Anne Arundel County Transit / Commuter Bus - Local buses and commuter routes connect Annapolis with nearby cities including Baltimore and Washington. Buses are a cost-effective option for commuters and visitors, though frequencies can be lower on weekends.
- Car / Rental - Renting a car gives the most flexibility to explore the Chesapeake Bay area and nearby state parks. Parking in downtown Annapolis is available but limited during peak season - plan ahead for events and cruise-ship days.
- Walking - Annapolis’s historic downtown and waterfront are highly walkable; many restaurants, shops and the state house are within easy walking distance. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and busy sidewalks.
Where to Stay in Annapolis, Maryland#
West/Annapolis Neck near US-50 - $80-140/night
Budget hotels cluster outside the historic downtown and near US-50; expect basic rooms and convenient parking.
Budget chains around Annapolis - Economy motels outside historic core
Red Roof / Red Lion options (nearby) - Value chains along US-50 corridor
Historic Downtown / City Dock - $140-250/night
Historic Inns and waterfront hotels put you in the heart of downtown and near the Naval Academy - great for sightseeing and dining.
Historic Inns of Annapolis - Central, charming historic hotels
Annapolis Waterfront Hotel (Autograph) - Waterside mid-upscale option
City Dock / Eastport waterfront - $250+/night
Annapolis has some premium waterfront and boutique luxury options; book early for peak season and Naval Academy events.
Higher-end waterfront and boutique options - Upscale rooms with views and services
Boutique luxury B&Bs and suites - Top-tier local properties
Where to Eat in Annapolis, Maryland#
Annapolis centers on Chesapeake Bay seafood: steamed crabs, crab cakes and oysters served at family-run docks and landmark waterfront restaurants.
- Cantler’s Riverside Inn - Old-school steamed crabs on the water
- Carrol’s Creek Cafe - Seasonal seafood and waterfront dining
- Blackwall Hitch - Seafood-forward menu and craft cocktails
Downtown’s eateries range from classic delis and breakfast joints to lively pubs-great for sampling local favorites after a harbor walk.
- Chick & Ruth’s Delly - Iconic deli-huge sandwiches and pies
- Iron Rooster - All-day breakfast and local twists
- Galway Bay Irish Pub - Lively pub with local seafood options
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Annapolis, Maryland’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Annapolis, Maryland#
Downtown Annapolis is best for independent boutiques, nautical shops and galleries-expect sail and boat-themed stores, fine clothing, and specialty food shops. The City Dock area features gift shops and art galleries aimed at visitors. For mainstream brands and department stores, the nearby Westfield Annapolis mall offers a broader selection.
Nightlife in Annapolis, Maryland#
Annapolis has an active evening scene for its size: seafood restaurants, waterfront bars and several live-music venues keep things lively, especially on weekends and during sailing events. The downtown area concentrates most options, with a mix of casual pubs and more upscale dining. Expect crowds in peak season and on event nights; reservations are a good idea for popular restaurants.
